KIDNEY FAILURE (FLASH CARDS)

Question 1

What is acute renal failure (ARF)?

Answer 1

A rapid loss of renal function due to damage to the kidneys, causing an accumulation of nitrogenous products in the blood (azotemia) with or without reduction in urine output.

Question 2

What are the main types of causes for acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Answer 2

• Prerenal * Renal * Postrenal

Question 3

What is prerenal AKI caused by?

Answer 3

Inadequate renal perfusion due to: * Extracellular fluid volume depletion * Cardiovascular disease

Question 4

What are common causes of renal AKI?

Answer 4

• Acute tubular necrosis * Acute glomerulonephritis * Nephrotoxins

Question 5

What is postrenal AKI?

Answer 5

AKI due to various types of obstruction in the voiding and collecting parts of the urinary system.

Question 6

What is the most common cause of postrenal AKI in men?

Answer 6

Bladder outlet obstruction due to an enlarged prostate.

Question 7

What are common clinical manifestations of AKI?

Answer 7

• Lethargy * Dryness of skin and mucous membranes * CNS symptoms (drowsiness, headache, muscle twitching, seizures) * Increased creatinine

Question 8

What are the phases of acute renal failure?

Answer 8

• Prodromal phase * Oliguric phase * Postoliguric phase

Question 9

What is the urine output typically in the oliguric phase?

Answer 9

Between 50 and 500 ml/day.

Question 10

What tests are included in the evaluation of AKI?

Answer 10

• Urine analysis * Blood tests (BUN/creat, CBC, ABG, Electrolytes) * Imaging (renal ultrasound, KUB x-ray) * Biopsy

Question 11

What defines acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Answer 11

Any of the following: * Increase in serum creatinine of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL in 48 hours * Increase in serum creatinine of ≥ 1.5 times baseline within the prior 7 days * Urine volume < 0.5 mL/kg/hour for 6 hours

Question 12

What are key nursing interventions for managing ARF?

Answer 12

• Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance * Reducing metabolic rate * Promoting pulmonary function * Preventing infection * Providing skin care * Safety measures

Question 13

What should be assessed in nursing management of ARF?

Answer 13

• Urine output * Urine color * Laboratory results

Question 14

True or False: Oliguria refers to a urine output of less than 400ml per day.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What does a fall in CO2-combining power and blood pH indicate in relation to renal function?

Answer 15

Metabolic acidosis.

Question 16

What serious electrolyte imbalance occurs in ARF?

Answer 16

Hyperkalemia.

Question 17

What can potassium intake be restricted by eliminating?

Answer 17

• High-potassium foods such as: * Citrus fruits * Bananas * Potatoes